Toy firearm



Ap 12 3.1-1. WILY TOY FIREARM Filed Feb. 23, 1923 z INVENTOR- BY AkATTORNEYS' Patented Apr. 12, 1927.

ll hi ETED STATES Jar/ ns H. n1 on sngcnnnnnn, rnnnsyizvanm.

TOY FIREARM.

Application filerl F'ebruary 23', 1:92a. Serial No. 620,579.

The invention relates to a firearm operated by igniting a gaseous mixture in an explosion chamber, for example by depositing calcium carbide in a water-containing chamber to generate acetylene gas, which, together with the air in such chamber, forms an explosive mixture which may be ignited or fired to produce a loud report. Such a firearm, however, it of small size, is not dangerous to the operator, and is simple in operation, thus rendering it particularly adapted to serve as a toy.

One object is to provide a firearm ot' the above nature, the several coii'iponent parts ot' which are so constructed and related that the firearm may take the form of a pistol which will operate satisfactorily.

Another object to construct the firearm in such manner as to facilitatethe operations of charging and discharging: the same particularly with regard to. the insertion of the necessary chemicals into the explosion chamber, and theactuation of the igniter mech anism.

The invention also aims to prevent the water carried in the explosion chamber, from running out, or leaking into undesired parts of the firearm where it would interfere with the proper operation thereof, particularly when the firearm is held in different positions.

Another object is to provide such a. firearm in which an eii'icient mixture will be obtained between the cases which are to be ignited in the explosion. chamber.

The invention also aims to provide the accurate tiring ot a projectile from a tirearm. of the above-mentionedcharacten.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be m part obvious and in part specifically pointed out in the description hereinafter contained, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the inwntion; such embodiment, however, isto be considered merely as illustrative of its principle. In the drawings:

Fig.- 1 is a central vertical section of a pistol constructed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is an end pistol.

Fig. 3 is an end view looking toward the stock and breech portions of the pistol.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the breech and stock portionsot the firearm.

view of the muzzle of such The illustrated: embodiment oi the inven- 'iIiOli includes a barrel member 1, having a bore 2 leading to the muzzle of the firearm, and a chamber 3 communicating with said here, the chamber being for the purpose'otcontaining. gases to be exploded by an igniter mechanism later to be described. For example, the'l'ower part of the chamber 3 may act as a. receptacle for water, into which is deposited calcium carbide, and the operation of the firearm is such that a. fresh supply of oxygen will be admitted tothe chamber 3 after each explosion, whereby it fresh calcium carbide be deposit-ed in the water an explosive mixture of oxygen and acetylene will -be formed. 3 v

In the present instance the rear end of the explosion chamber 3 is closed by a wall l, having a cylindrical opening '5 therein adapted to receive a breech block 6 which scrvvs several purposes. The breech. block is provided with a cylindrical porti'onj'i, which fits within the opening previously described in such manner that theblock can be turned "angularly, or bodily withdrawn from operative position when desired. The cylindrical part 7' of the breech block is; also made hollow to receive an igniter plunger 8; which projects 'rearwardly beyond the breech block and may be provided, with an operating knob 9;. An exterior extension 1-0" on; the breech block pro vides a rear bearingfor the igniter plunger 8, which plunger may have an enlarged bearing portion 11 fitting within the hollow cylind'rical part 7' of the breech block. In assembli-ng'the above-partsthe igniter plunger may be inserted from the forward end of the cylindrical part 7 until it projects through the extension on the hreech block, after which the knob9 may be attached to the plunger. The annular teeth 12 on the plunger engage a block '13 of pyrophoric metal slidably mounted within an ear Men the breech block, and urged toward the plunger shy means of a spring 15. A screw 16 maybe provided to adjust the spring and permit access to the 'igniter block 13 when necessary. W ith anigniterconstruction of theabove character, forward motion of'the plunger 8 will cause teeth 12'- thereon to scrape againstthe igniter block 13and project sparks through an opening 17 in the cylindrical-part 7 into the explosion chamher 3. Totaeilitate the proper action of the ignitermechanism, the teeth 12- preferably breech I 1 1 time which: in

' are of ashape simila edges may I be 5 presented to i es Whenth; ear

. 1, g I Q-tjhe hreeehblock heiturnjedfanti-j I I v v viewed iilI1'Fig.- 3i approximately a; quarteriof; i

I a 5 turnthe: lug 19 will Q lireefilrblockf may; be h d l ioi e' ativje position; 5 :It w ear; 14 I and the exterior" extens on: 10 on; the

; I y I ifl lthoug h any: i ll t i tamed the; explosion: q

1, e :P' e 1 1 1 e -hk z nu which: serapje acrossthje {face ofthe The rgniter; plunger; 8} may be otatah .DilOLllltGCl in position-p turning knob 9 leg is ig t) e sas a 1i indicated in F h rawn i is. th iii tedithat th e6 J breech" the ewe e he breech in position upon the insertion of a new charge, the acetylene produced in the lower part of the chamber 3 will mix with the fresh supply of oxygen. Preferably the chamber 3 is provided with suitable baflle members, such as the ribs 21, running along its sides to promote the proper mixture of acetylene and oxygen. In a firearm of the above type, the acetylene tends to rise up in the central part of the chamber and cause the air to be displaced in a downward dircction on both sides thereof, but the baffle members will serve to deflect the air from the sides of the chamber towards the rising column of acetylene in its centre,thus causing a thorough mixture to be obtained.

In the present embodiment of the invention the firearm takes the form of a pistol having a stock member 22 secured to the barrel member 1 in such relation that the igniter plunger 8 may be operated by the hand of the user while grasping the stock. As shown, a trigger 23 is pivoted on a stud 24 carried by the stock, the trigger being urged toward retracted position by a spring 25, and so positioned that the igniter plunger 8 will be moved forward when the trigger is pulled. As shown, a slot 26 is provided on the under side of extension 10 on the breech block, and

plunge whereby nieWi cutting.

: ief blockby; i

be ;relefased and. the 1 c ventilat d after:

permi irzto inter hrougli: ;tha

' 1 =opening miss the breath block is locked be e 1; block is pro erl locked l s the ime not be 1 'rne d to locked: peauon unless thef 5 trigger s' ullv jretracted.- I I he :stoe Q re ide' an, l s 7 el t it or is held muzzle flange will prevent a certain amount of water from running out. This flange 33 may be of such dimensions as to cause the proper amount of water to be contained in chamber 3 when the water is renewed; for example, if the supply of water is renewed through breech opening 5 with the muzzle pointed downwardly, the excess water will run out through the bore 2 after the chamber has been filled up to the level of the flange 33. It is also preferred to protect the ignition mechanism from leakage of water out of chamber 3, which may be accomplished for example by providing a further flange 34%; around the opening 17, or the adjacent parts of the igniter i'nechanism; if the firearm be held muzzle up, the flange 34; will prevent the egress of water into the igniter mechanism. As shown, the flange 34 is of greater height than the flange 33 to insure that the supply of water permitted 3y the flange 33 wil not overflow flange 34.

The flange 33 may also be used to support a baflie plate 35 to provide an opening between the explosion chamber 3 and the bore 2 of the proper size; particularly when the firearm is operated without a projectile, it is found that the explosion is most effective if the column of air in front of the explosion chamber be carefully proportioned to down, the l position; since slotfifi wilt-net ibe in line with; i

the trigger; in {other positions of the breech 1 block;andeenversely the zbreech: bloclrcair I breech blOClif ma be provided {with a the dimensions of (he chamber. A ballle plate 35 may easily be selected by experiment to provide the most efiicient opening for the above purposes.

In cases where the firearm is used with a projectile, I prefer to provide a; small clearance between the muzzleof the gun and the projectile in such manner that the exploded gases may pass out substantially equally on all sides of the projectile. In the present instance the muzzle of the gun is. provided with a plurality: of ridges 36 such. that when a cork or the like is inserted in the muzzle the exploded gases will tend to pass out on all sides of the projectile and keep it in. the centre of the stream of gas. If a smooth here be employed the gases tend to pass out at a point wherethe frictional resistance is smallest between the projectile and thewall oi the tirearm so that; the projectile may not be fired accurately.

The present embodiment of the invention 'is exceedingly simple, involving but tWO main parts for the pistol proper, namely, the barrel member 1 and the stock member 2:2. These partsmay be suitably secured together, for example, by providing projections 37 and 38 at the top and bottom ofthe barrel member engaging between corresponding shoulders 39 on the stock. Pins 40 and 41 may then be passed: through the corresponding projections and shoulders. Thus by removing the pins 40 and 41 the two parts. of the firearm may be disconnected, end wall 4 of the exploding chamher 3 in the present instance being. formed integrally with the stock member 22.,

I also prefer tov employ ascreen between the igniting mechanism. and the explosion chamber, to prevent; Water splashing into the ignitor when sudden movements are imparted to the firearm. In the present intance this shield is in the Form of a screen of conical shaped wire meshwhich fits over, the inner portion ot the breech block; This screen serves to catch drops of water which. otherwise might splash. into the igniter mechanism, but when the gas Within the screen is ignited it does not interfere with the spreading of the, explosion. to the remainder ot' the explosion chamber, and in tact writes to distribute the ignition in all directions from the central portion of the chamber into which the spark is projected.

lVhile a specific embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it will. be obvious that many changes may be made. therein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the followingv claims.

I claim:

1. A toy firearm comprising a, barrel member having an explosion; chamber therein, means for ad'mitting oxygen to said chamher, and means for generating Within said M... river a wbich ayhen mixed with the oxygen. therein, forms an explosive mixture, a stock 0-1 the pistol type secured to the sald barrel member, a trigger member ad acent said stock and an igniting mechanism tor said explosion chamber operable by said trigger member.

2. A toy firearm comprising a barrel n'iember having a chamber therein, astock of the piston type secured to said barrel member, means whereby explosive gas may be produced in said chamber, a pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism for sa d chamber, and a trigger member adjacent said stock in position to. produce relative motion between theelements of said igniting meehauism.

The combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said igniting mechanism includes a reciproea-ble plunger and said trigger is 'ii-voted in position to. actuate said plunger.

at, A toy firearm comprising a barrel memher having a liquid-containing explosion. chamber therein, a stock of the pistol type secured to thebarrel member, a removable breech block associated; with said explosion chamber and carrying a charging device adapted to. deposit gas-tormin material lnto said chamber, a pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism. carried by said breech block and atrigger member adjacent said stock and positioned to operate said igniting mechanism.

5. In a toy firearm a liquid-containing ex plosion-1 chamber having an opening in a wall of such chamber, a removable breech block fitting. in such opening, a pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism carried by said breech. block, said: breech block having an exterior projecting portion adapted to serve as a gripping member, and providing a bearing. for the movable element of said ig niting mechanism.

6. A toy firearm comprising a liquid-containingexplosion chamberhaving an openii-ig. in one wall of such chamber, a removable breech block fitting in said opcningand comprising a. hollow member supporting a charging device at its inner end, and a pyrophoric metal igniting, mechanism carried by such breech block comprising a plnngerslich ably mounted therein, and a pyrophoric metal member pressed against said plunger.

I. In a! toy firearm a removable l'rreechblock comprising. a hollow member having an. igniting pl-un-gcr slidably mounted (herein, said plunger having a rough surface adapted toengage a pyrophoricmetal mem. her; and having bearing portions on opposite sides of such roughened portion which are respectiyely larger and smaller than such roughened portion;

8. A toy firearm comp-rising a'barrel mem-.

her having anexplosion chamber therein, a removable breech block having a cylindrical part pIOJGQtlH-g through an opening in one wall of such chamber and rotat-ably supporting the said breech block therein, and a cooperating lug and recess upon sald breech block and an adjacent portion of the firearm adapt-ed to lock the breech block in place by turning the latter when seated in said opening.

9. A toy firearm comprising a member having an explosion chamber therein, a stock of the pistol type secured to the said barrel member, a removable breech block associated with said. chamber and carrying a charging device adapted to supply gas-forming material thereto, a pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism carried by said breech block comprising an igniting plunger reciprocally carried by said breech block, a trigger member pivoted adjacent said stock, said breech block having a. slot adjacent the path of movement of the trigger through which the latter may ie moved to engage and actuate said plunger.

10. In a toy firearm a liquid-containing explosion chamber, means for admitting oxygen to such chamber, means for supplying gas-forming material thereto, and a baffle member within said chamber adapted to promote the mixing in the chamber of the oxygen and the gas generated therein.

11. In toy firearm an explosion chamber, the lower portion of which is adapted to serve as a water receptacle, means for admitting oxygen to said chamber, means for supply a gas-forming material to said chambc. and ribs extending along the Sides of the chamber above the lower portion thereof adapted to deflect the gas formed therein into intimate contact with t-h xy- Pf gen. 12. A toy firearm comprising a barrel member having a liquid-containing explosion chamber therein, and a bore communicating with such. chamber, and means for confining liquid in said explosion chamber when the firearm tilted to substantially vertical p ositi on.

13. A toy firearm comprising a barrel member having a liquid-containing explosion chamber therein, a bore communicating with. such chamber, and means for confining liquid in said explosion chamber when the firearm is tilted to different angles, said means comprising a flange in said chamber extending around the bore.

14. A toy firearm comprising a liquidcontaining explosion chamber, means for charging the same, an igniting mechanism therefor. and means for obstructing the flow of liquid from said chamber into said igniting mechanism when the firearm is tilted. to substantially vertical position.

15. A toy firearm comprising a barrel member la ing a liquid-containing explosion chamber therein, a bore communicating with one end of such chamber, an igniting mechanism mounted in the opposite end thereof, and flanges in said chamber extending around said bore and said igniting mechanism adapted to obstruct the flow of liquid from said chamber when the firearm is tilted to different angles.

16. The combination set forth in claim 15, wherein the flange associated with said igniting mechanism is of greater height.

17. A toy firearm comprising a barrel member having an explosion chamber therein and a bore leading from said chamber to the muzzle of the firearm, and means to support a projectile in the muzzle of the gun while permitting the escape of substantially uniformly on all sides between the projectile and the muzzle.

18. A toy firearm comprising a arrel member having an explosion chamber therein and a bore leading from said chamber to the muzzle of the firearm, and means to support a projectile in the muzzle of the gun while permitting the escape of gas substantially uniformly on all sides between the projectile and the muzzle, said means com prising a plurality of ridges in the muzzle of the gun.

19. A toy firearm comprising a. barrel member having a gas chamber therein, means for admitting oxygen to said chamber, means for generating within said chamber a gas which, when mixed with the oxygen therein, forms an explosive gas, a stock of the pistol type secured to the barrel memher, and means operable by the hand when grasping the stock in the usual manner for igniting the gas within said chamber.

20. A toy firearm comprising a liquidcontaining explosion chamber, a removable breech block associated with said chamber, an igniting mechanism carried by such breech block, means for locking said breech block in position, and an igniter member for igniting said igniting mechanism operative only when said breech block is in locked position.

21. A toy firearm comprising a liquidcontaining explosion chamber, an igniting mechanism therefor, and a screen interposed between said chamber and said igniting mechanism.

22. A toy firearm comprising a liquidcontaining explosion chamber, a pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism with a passage leading therefrom to said chamber, and a perforated member shielding said passage from the liquid within the chamber.

23. A pyrophoric ignite]: comprising a pyrophoric metal n'iember, a reciprocating plunger having an extended roughened surface, and means whereby said plunger may be adjusted angularly to adjust different portions to the pyrophoric metal member when the plunger is reciprocated.

24. The combination set forth in claim 23,

wherein said plunger is cylindrical and rotatably mounted, with diiferent portions around its periphery roughened.

25. A toy firearm comprising a barrel member having an explosion chamber therein, a stock of the pistol type secured to said barrel member, a removable breech block associated With said explosion chamber, a pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism carried by said breech block and a trigger member associated with said stock for producing relative motion between parts of said pyrophoric metal igniting mechanism.

26. A toy firearm comprising a barrel. member having an explosion chamber therein, a renmvable breech block having a. cylindrical part projecting through an opening in one Wall of such chamber and rotatably supporting the said breech block therein, a reciprocable plunger slidably supported by said cylindrical part and a pyrophoric metal block pressed against said plunger.

27. A toy firearm having a liquid containing explosion chamber therein, an igniting mechanism mounted in one Wall of said chamber and projecting into the chamber and an annular flange in said chamber extending around said igniting mechanism to protect the latter from the liquid when the firearm is tilted to different angles.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing, I have hereunto set my hand this 29th day of January, 1923.

JAMES H. WILY. 

